Chapter 38
ALEX
Brooke seems tired but galvanised, if that makes any sense, and I wonder if she’s met someone. The thought twists something inside me.
She’s clearly put our Christmas indiscretion behind her, and after my talk with the guys, I’m trying to do the same.
Which should be possible.
Although I trust Brooke, with fashion week fast approaching, this is her first rodeo.
I can’t allow any errors, which means I’m like Santa Claus, making a list and checking it twice.
So far, so good. She’s proven herself once again to be resourceful and adaptable.
Every task I’ve set has been done efficiently and effectively, so I thought I’d back off, but I can’t.
I exit the elevator and hear laughter.
“I can’t believe it. They’re adorable, so tiny and perfectly formed.”
“Of course they are,” a male voice says. “They’re mine.”
Brooke chuckles.
“Give Leah, Callum, and the twins a big kiss from me.” She smiles down at the screen she’s holding.
“Wub ooh, ant Haps,” a small boy says, followed by what sounds like kissing noises.
“I love you too, Callum. You make sure you help Mummy and Daddy with your sisters.” Her voice catches slightly, her eyes glistening in the dimmed light.
“He is,” a woman’s voice comes through the phone this time.
“I can’t believe I’m so far away.”
She looks up and sees me, her expression falling.
“Leah, I’ve got to go,” she says, her eyes never leaving mine.
“We love you,” a male and female voice chime together.
“Love you too.”
She cuts off the call, throwing the phone into her bag.
“Sorry, Alex, I didn’t see you there,” she says, smiling.
The overly bright mask she’s been wearing recently slips neatly back into place.
“You didn’t need to end the call just because of me,” I say. “It’s out of hours. I should ask why you’re still here.”
She stands, grabbing her bag, a St Clair classic.
“I was leaving when I got a call from home. My—friend has just had twins. They were calling to introduce me to them.”
I smile. “Congratulations.”
“Thank you.” She fusses around on her desk, straightening up her papers, putting pens back in their place, doing almost anything to avoid meeting my gaze.
“You must be close if their youngest calls you aunty,” I say, not sure why I’m pushing but wanting a response.
She freezes, her head finally coming up. “We are. I miss them,” she says. “But it’s not forever,” she adds, as if trying to convince herself more than me.
“If you want to take some holiday, there’s always time after fashion week. Maybe you could arrange some time off and fly back to England to see them?”
She slides the strap of her bag over her shoulder, her eyes finally meeting mine. “That won’t be necessary, but thanks for the offer,” she says, moving around her desk, grabbing her jacket at the last moment. She looks up as she draws level with me. “I really should be getting home.”
“See you tomorrow, Brooke. Have a good evening.”
She pauses. “You too.”
“Thanks for today,” I add, Dante’s grumbled advice coming to mind.
She smiles, her green eyes locking on mine. “You’re welcome. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
I watch as she makes her way towards the elevator, waiting until she steps inside before turning and entering my office.